Anime Multiverse: Building a Pantheon from Scratch

Staring at the "Property Transfer Agreement" laid on the table, Luo Shu was momentarily stunned, then looked up at Tsubakihara Mira.

"This might come across as a little utilitarian," she said with a gentle smile as she handed over the agreement, "but for me, giving up a house in exchange for Luo Shu-kun's nearby protection is quite the worthwhile bargain."

Mira emphasized that this transfer was nothing more than a transaction for security services. Luo Shu couldn't help but let out a wry chuckle at that.

"I don't recall any security company ever charging a house as their service fee."

This wasn't just any property—it was an apartment near Ikebukuro Station in Nerima Ward. Even three years ago, it had been worth over 50 million yen. While property values in Japan tended to be relatively stable, the prices in this area had surged lately thanks to its proximity to Beika Town. Luo Shu made a rough estimate: it could easily be sold for around 60 million yen. Converted to this world's currency, that was over 3.6 million in yuan.

To think that saving someone once would get him over 3 million yuan and a 60,000-point Abyss item. Even robbing a bank wouldn't earn that kind of money this fast.

After thinking it over, Luo Shu glanced down at the agreement but ultimately pushed it back.

"I already accepted a reward yesterday. So, you should really take this back."

But Tsubakihara Mira, clearly anticipating his refusal, simply smiled and replied, "As I just said, the house is a gift in exchange for you continuing to live here. If you think this is too much, how about putting a one-year term on it?"

Only then did Luo Shu realize her true intent. It wasn't gratitude for saving her life—it was to keep him living nearby for longer?

This motivation… why did it feel a little suspicious?

He gave her a subtle look, his expression turning a bit complicated. Deep down, he felt there was a high chance she had an ulterior motive. But this was the heiress of a major arms conglomerate. It wasn't like she lacked money. If it wasn't for wealth... was she after him?

If she really decides to openly chase me down... I might not even last three days, Luo Shu grumbled internally. Still, he knew better than to voice such thoughts out loud. "She likes me" was the kind of thing that was safe as an internal fantasy, but if said out loud and misjudged, it could ruin everything.

"If one year is too long, we can make it six months," Mira offered, retreating one step further upon noticing his prolonged silence. She added playfully, "After yesterday's incident, my family has been pestering me to move back home. For the sake of a poor heiress's freedom, Luo Shu-kun, won't you make a small sacrifice?"

That made Luo Shu twitch slightly. While Mira might not have realized it, Luo Shu knew full well that if she really returned home where security was tighter, his plan to recruit new members would go up in smoke.

Laying my cards on the table feels risky… but if I take the house, I doubt I'll be able to sleep well at night. I don't want to be called a freeloader or anything...

After some internal debate, Luo Shu let out a sigh and reached for the agreement on the table.

Seeing him accept it, Tsubakihara Mira visibly relaxed. A hint of genuine happiness surfaced on her face.

"In my hometown," Luo Shu said, "there's an old saying—'Courtesy demands reciprocity.'"

As he spoke, he summoned a contract from thin air and laid it on the table in front of the surprised Mira.

"There's something I need to tell you next. I hope you won't share this with anyone—especially not your parents."

"I understand." The moment she saw how serious Luo Shu had become, Mira adjusted her posture and sat upright, nodding respectfully.

"This is the contract for my secret organization—'Astronomy Club.'"

Luo Shu pushed the contract toward her and said, "I imagine you've looked into the organization behind those 'hounds' from yesterday. In that case, you should already know how secret societies and cults in this country usually get their start, right?"

"I've read a bit," Mira replied thoughtfully. "It has something to do with acquiring Abyss items that grant supernatural powers to others… hmm?"

Suddenly, something clicked in her mind. She glanced down at the contract, then looked back up at Luo Shu, the dots clearly connecting.

Luo Shu didn't deny it. He simply nodded.

"By signing this contract, you'll awaken your own 'supernatural ability.'"

He continued, "The Astronomy Club" has no connection to SDS. It's an entirely personal organization—just mine. To be honest, it currently only has three members, including myself."

With that said, Luo Shu fell silent, shifting the decision into Mira's hands.

A three-person group—by any metric, a tiny and unreliable faction in the world of secret organizations. Many such groups that had lucked into powerful Abyss items were viewed as "snacks" by larger organizations. The best-case scenario was being absorbed along with their items and personnel. Worst-case? The people would vanish, and only the items would be retained.

As someone well-versed in the dynamics of these shadowy circles, Tsubakihara Mira was fully aware of how little she needed such a group—at least on paper. Her background meant she didn't need to join anyone.

But sometimes, decisions aren't made by reason, but by emotion.

After a short pause, she maintained her smile and asked calmly, "Has Luo Shu-kun studied the side effects of the Abyss items that grant powers?"

Side effects, huh? Luo Shu knew the system's Follower Subsystem ensured loyalty and deep personal binding. But since revealing that outright was a bad idea, he rephrased it:

"The side effects are: once you sign the contract, you can't betray the organization or deliberately harm other members. Also, members will become connected through bonds akin to a blood-related family."

"Of course, the organization doesn't force members to carry out missions, especially not suicidal ones. In that sense, our Abyss items are... high-grade."

He then raised his right hand, clearly showing the ruby ring on his finger.

"That's why this concerns my life and safety. If Miss Mira chooses to decline, I'll break our agreement from yesterday and use 'Heart of the Demon' to hypnotize you—make you forget all of this."

But to Luo Shu's surprise, Tsubakihara Mira simply tilted her head and asked curiously, "You'd just make me forget? You're not planning to do anything else?"

…Huh?

That completely caught Luo Shu off guard.

But before he could respond, Mira had already pulled out a pen—clearly prepared for this—and signed her name onto the contract without hesitation.

With a radiant smile, the beautiful young woman turned to him and said, "Well then, we're accomplices now, aren't we?"

Luo Shu paused for a moment, then chuckled helplessly.

"You're right, Miss Mira," he said.

"We're accomplices now."